Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: The Complete 2026 Guide
Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa (officially Estancia de Trabajador o Prestador Remoto de Servicios, under Ley 10.008) lets remote workers live in the country for up to two years, tax-free on foreign income. Here's exactly how it works, what you'll need, and how to avoid the common paperwork traps.
Who qualifies
- US$3,000/month stable income for the past 12 months (single applicant).
- US$4,000/month if applying with a spouse or dependents.
- Income must come from foreign sources — a remote employer, foreign clients, or a business abroad.
- Private health insurance covering your entire stay in Costa Rica (minimum US$50,000).
- No criminal record concerns from your country of residence.
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid at least 6 months, all pages copied.
- 12 months of bank statements or employer certification showing qualifying income.
- Proof of private health insurance for the full visa period, apostilled.
- Sworn statement that the applicant will provide services remotely to a foreign employer or business.
- Payment receipt for the US$100 application fee and US$90 stamp fee.
- Passport-size photos and completed application form via the Migración portal.
The process, step by step
- Prepare & apostille documents in your home country (2–4 weeks).
- Submit the application online through the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería portal — you can start from abroad.
- Pay the US$100 processing fee.
- Wait for resolution (typically 15–30 business days after a complete file).
- Enter Costa Rica and register your DIMEX (residency card) with biometrics.
- Open a local bank account and, if useful, apply to use your foreign driver's licence for the visa's duration.
The perks (this is why people apply)
- Zero Costa Rican income tax on foreign-source earnings.
- Exemption from import taxes on personal work equipment (laptop, monitors, camera gear).
- Use your foreign driver's licence for the entire visa period — no local test required.
- Right to open a Costa Rican bank account in colones or US dollars.
- Renewable for a second year if you spend at least 180 days in country.
Typical costs
- Application fee: US$100 + US$90 residency stamp.
- Attorney or relocation Pro: US$800–1,800 depending on document complexity.
- Apostille & translation: US$150–400 in your home country.
- Health insurance (annual): US$500–1,500 depending on age and coverage.
Budget US$1,800–3,500 all-in for a single applicant.
Get it handled by a vetted Costa Rica expert
Arriva connects you with pre-vetted Costa Rican immigration attorneys and relocation Pros who file Digital Nomad Visa applications every week. Get a fixed-fee quote in under 24 hours — no guessing, no chasing apostilles from abroad.
Browse Costa Rica experts →Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum income?
US$3,000/month for a single applicant, US$4,000/month with dependents, proven over the past 12 months.
How long does approval take?
15–30 business days once a complete application is submitted through the Migración portal.
Do I pay Costa Rican income tax?
No. Foreign-source income is exempt from Costa Rican income tax under Ley 10.008.
Can I renew for a second year?
Yes — the visa is valid for one year and can be renewed once if you've spent at least 180 days in Costa Rica.